For many practices, transmission is empathised, especially of the Vajrayana. What do we mean by transmission? It means since the first turning of wheel of dharma of the Buddha, the stream of dharma handed down from one generation to another is called lineage, or transmission, which is non-stop, if it’s broken, then the great blessing of the dharma will not continue. Thus, notwithstanding the existence of scriptures,without oral transmission and transmission of pith instruction, the dharma would be extinct.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Each time we die, the nature of mind will be revealed, but we never can perceive it. Every night when entering a deep sleep, for a split second we are in touch with the nature of mind, but we never can perceive it. Thus we need our lama’s pith instruction, with which we can attain enlightenment instantly. This is the swift method of the Vajrayana to attain enlightenment.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

We should refrain from thinking that all suffering and unfavourable conditions will be eliminated once we undertake dharma study. Even from the perspective of the Shravakayana, although having realised the selflessness of self, arhats still encounter undesirable conditions and experience karmic consequences.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

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When anxiety, panic and aversion arise, instead of being scared and unsettled, one needs to act in the following steps: first, realise them; second: observe them; and third, find their secret. Once mastering this secret, defilements lose their power of making you depressed or unsettled.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Through the practice of Nadi, prana, and bindu, having dispelled discursive thoughts, the nature of mind will surface. Based on this, one needs to proceed to practice with the pith instructions of one’s lama. Without such instructions, even the manifestation of the nature of mind will not be stabilised.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

The cessation of suffering means to eradicate all defilements. When the cloudy sky is blown by a wind, the clear, blue sky will appear. Likewise, when defilements and negative karma are eliminted by renunciation, bodhicitta and the view of emptiness, the wisdom of buddhas, aka luminous buddha nature, will appear. This is referred to as the cessation of suffering.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

One who practices compassion will become broad-minded, helpful, having discovered the meaning of life. The energy of loving kindness one exudes will make people around him or her easeful, cheerful and warm. Even practicing compassion for ten minutes will attain countless merit.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Preliminary practice entails five practices, starting from taking refuge, up to guru yoga. Relying on the capacity of these five practices, one can realise emptiness, which is referred to as realising the nature of mind in the Chan tradition, it means actualising the truth of phenomena. In tantric context, it’s referred to as realising the primordial wisdom. What is it meant by primordial wisdom? Buddha nature is the primordial wisdom.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Lay practitioner’s practice starts from observing precepts. Observing precepts is also considered as a kind of practice and it is in fact most vital. I have met many lay practitioners who, despite the fact that they have taken refuge in the Three Jewels and believed they’re a seasoned practitioner, have yet to take the five precepts of lay practitioners. This is rather unreasonable. In order be a lay practitioner, observing precepts is paramount. Precepts are the foundation of all practice and developing wisdom. Without observing precepts, one is not a genuine practitioner, thus observing precepts is compulsory.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES